Tourlos
Welcome to Tourlos, the sparkling gateway to the island of Mykonos
Updated 7 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Tourlos now
The story
The story of Tourlos
A journey through time: from origins to modernity
The history of Tourlos is intrinsically linked to the morphology of its bay, which for centuries offered natural shelter to vessels sailing routes between Delos and the rest of the Cyclades. Originally, the area was a rural and maritime settlement where a few families lived from fishing and subsistence agriculture, exploiting small plots of land between granite rocks. During the period of Venetian rule and later Ottoman domination, Mykonos maintained a certain maritime autonomy and Tourlos remained a tranquil outpost, far from the pirate raids that often threatened more exposed centers.
The real turning point came in the second half of the twentieth century, when the tourism boom in Mykonos made the development of infrastructure capable of accommodating ever-increasing flows necessary. The construction of the New Port redefined Tourlos's identity, transforming it into the island's main logistical hub. Despite this imposing infrastructural evolution, the social and architectural fabric of the locality has preserved traces of its past, visible in the small votive chapels and old farmhouses that still resist among the modern reception facilities, witnesses to an era when time was marked exclusively by the seasons of fishing.
The New Port: the pulsing heart of the island
The New Port of Tourlos is not merely a work of civil engineering, but the true gravitational center of contemporary Mykonos. Inaugurated to decongest the old port of Chora, it now hosts the large scheduled ferries that connect the island to Piraeus, Rafina and the other islands of the Aegean, as well as the majestic international cruise ships. Its structure was designed to integrate with the surrounding environment, offering ample maneuvering spaces and modern services for travelers. Watching the comings and goings of vessels at sunset, when the lights of the port begin to reflect in the water, is an experience that restores the profound sense of the maritime vocation of this place.
The Church of Agios Georgios
Not far from the bustle of the port, climbing toward the hills that embrace the bay, you will find the small church of Agios Georgios. This religious building is a perfect example of Cycladic sacred architecture: pure volumes, rounded angles and a dome that stands out against the blue sky. Founded as an ex-voto by local sailors, the church represents the spiritual heart of the Tourlos community. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and fragrant with incense and beeswax; the Orthodox icons, often decorated with silver offerings, tell stories of devotion and protection at sea. It is the ideal place to reflect on the continuity of local traditions in a rapidly changing world.
Agios Stefanos and the surrounding coastal areas
Just a short distance from Tourlos lies the locality of Agios Stefanos, known for its splendid sandy beach well sheltered from northern winds. This stretch of coast is the natural continuation of the Tourlos experience, offering an equipped shoreline where the waters are calm and crystal clear. Walking along the coastal road that connects the two areas, you can admire breathtaking views of the island of Delos and the uninhabited islet of Rhenia. The area is dotted with luxurious villas and boutique hotels that have managed to reinterpret the local style with a touch of modernity, making the landscape a harmonious mosaic of stone, white plaster and blooming bougainvillea.
The Landscape: between granite and infinite blue
The landscape of Tourlos is dominated by the contrast between the hardness of granite rock and the fluidity of the sea. The interior is characterized by barren hills, where low and hardy vegetation clings to sun-baked soil. This harshness is interrupted only by dry stone walls (xerolithia), built with millennia-old skill to delimit properties and protect crops from the wind. The coast, on the other hand, alternates between rocky stretches and small sandy coves. Light plays a fundamental role here: the transparency of the air allows you to see details of nearby islands with an almost surreal clarity, especially on days when the Meltemi clears the sky of any haze.
Traditions and flavors of the land of Mykonos
The gastronomic culture at Tourlos reflects the identity of entire Mykonos, made of simple ingredients but with explosive flavors. One cannot say they have known the place without tasting Kopanisti, a DOP spicy and creamy cheese, or Louza, the typical pork fillet aged with spices and aromas. The tavernas overlooking the bay offer the freshest fish, often caught at dawn and served simply grilled with a drizzle of oil and lemon. Among the desserts, Amigdalota stands out, rose water scented almond cookies that represent the taste of celebrations and Greek hospitality.
Experiences not to be missed at Tourlos
- Take the SeaBus from the port to reach the Chora of Mykonos by sea at sunset.
- Dine at one of the traditional tavernas tasting grilled octopus with a view of illuminated ships.
- Take a morning walk to Agios Stefanos beach when the water is as flat as a mirror.
- Visit the small white chapels hidden among the streets climbing the hill.
- Rent a small boat to explore the isolated coves of the north-western coast.
When to go and how to experience the place
The best time to visit Tourlos is undoubtedly late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September and October). In these months, temperatures are pleasant, the crowds of summer tourists are less pressing and you can enjoy true local hospitality. The height of summer, while being the moment of maximum splendor and vibrancy, requires greater planning due to intense port traffic. Living Tourlos means accepting its dual rhythm: the vibrant energy of arrivals and departures during the day, and the magic of starlit evenings, when the noise of the port fades and only the whisper of the sea against the pier remains.
FAQ
Come si raggiunge la Chora di Mykonos da Tourlos?
È possibile parcheggiare a Tourlos?
Tourlos è adatta alle famiglie con bambini?
Ci sono molti ristoranti nella zona?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Mykonos (JMK) - 5 km
- Non presenti sull'isola
- Dall'aeroporto o dalla Chora seguire le indicazioni per 'New Port' o 'Tourlos'. La strada è asfaltata e ben segnalata.
- Se arrivate in traghetto, Tourlos è il vostro punto di sbarco. Se alloggiate qui, molti hotel offrono il transfer gratuito dal molo.
Perfect for
Ideale per chi cerca la comodità di essere vicino ai trasporti principali senza rinunciare al fascino cicladico.
Uno dei punti migliori dell'isola per ammirare il tramonto sull'Egeo e le luci della città di Mykonos.
Accesso immediato a spiagge tranquille e ben servite come Agios Stefanos, perfette per il relax.
To see
